Michael Manning, Great Falls High School’s girls’ head basketball coach for the past seven years, has resigned.

Manning, 34, is leaving coaching to become an assistant principal at Blaney Elementary School in Elgin, located in Kershaw County.

“It’s pretty tough leaving coaching. That’s the part I really enjoy,” Manning said.

“The toughest thing is telling the girls that I wasn’t going to be their coach for the upcoming year. You build relationships with these girls. It’s not the winning and losing. It’s almost like a family atmosphere you’ve created over the years.

“I still have players come up to me that I coached four and five years ago. As a coach that makes me feel great that they think enough of me to speak to me and come up to me and tell me how they’re doing.

“But I’m definitely happy with my decision.”

In his seven seasons at Great Falls, Manning compiled a record of 74-74. The past year was an impressive one for the Lady Red Devils who were 20-5 and won Region 3-A with an 8-0 mark. It was the Lady Red Devils’ first region title in 16 years.

Manning, who was honored as Region 3-A Coach of the Year, guided his team to the Upper State Class A championship game against Christ Church.

“I’m going to miss the faculty and the people and the friends I’ve made at Great Falls as well as all the other coaches around the area,” Manning said. “You build this network of coaches. I hope to keep in contact with some of them.”

Manning and his wife, Kelly, are parents of a 3-year-old daughter, Karsyn, and a 9-month-old son, Will.

Earl Gault 329-4000, Ext. 8363

egault@heraldonline.com

© June 19, 2004 | Herald, The (Rock Hill, SC)Author: Earl Gault The Herald | Page: 4D | Section: Sports